Over the last several years there has been much excitement surrounding applications of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in aesthetic medicine, including stem cell facelifts. Increasing the number of platelets and growth factors in the blood can have regenerative effects on the skin, slowing or reversing the signs of aging. Some facial cosmetic surgeons use PRP treatments in areas where dermal fillers, neurotoxins and lasers aren’t always effective, including around the eyes and mouth.
STEM CELLS IN PRP
Our bodies naturally produce stem cells that help us heal by stimulating the growth of collagen, as well as blood vessels that deliver oxygen to bodily tissues. Platelets and growth factors found in the blood stimulate stem cells, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains three to five times as many of these substances as normal blood. PRP has been used for years to heal wounds and for other purposes. Today, PRP therapies are also available for facial rejuvenation and other areas of aesthetic medicine. Research suggests that PRP therapies may eventually be able to treat everything from fine lines and wrinkles to acne scarring and rosacea.
PRP TREATMENT FOR THE PERIOCULAR (EYES) AND PERIORAL (MOUTH) AREAS
Elite Beauty Toledo uses platelet-rich plasma therapies to treat the areas around the eyes and mouth. PRP injections may be effective in delicate areas such as the tear trough, adding plumpness and improving skin texture. They can also be used to treat crow’s feet. Platelet-rich plasma is also helpful to treat deep or fine lines and wrinkles in the perioral area — the area around the mouth.
It should be noted that the effects may be short-lived in some cases. And as with any medical treatment, there is always a chance of side effects with PRP facial rejuvenation.
Contact Dr. Siebenaler for more information on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for facial rejuvenation.
Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Q & A
WHAT IS THE LATEST IN FACIAL REJUVENATION IN THE USA?
Microfilament injections using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are the latest wave in facial rejuvenation. Facial rejuvenation with PRP is also known as PRP facial rejuvenation, blood facelift and Blood PRP Lift. PRP is blood that contains higher concentrations of platelets and growth factors than normal blood. These substances stimulate stem cells to produce collagen and blood vessels, in turn slowing or reversing the signs of aging.
HOW IS IT DONE?
A patient’s blood (about 60cc) is placed in a centrifuge and spun in order to separate the blood from the growth factors, platelets and stem cells. This rejuvenative mixture is then micro-injected in areas of the face where signs of aging have appeared, such as the areas surrounding the eyes, cheeks, mouth and forehead.
HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM FAT TRANSFER?
The regenerative cells in PRP are different from the ones in the fat used in fat transfer procedures. Also, fat transfer has a more “volumizing” effect than the regenerative cells in PRP. However, the two can be combined for a more comprehensive procedure.
CAN PRP FACIAL REJUVENATION BE DONE BOTH ALONE AND WITH OTHER PROCEDURES?
Yes. It can be done alone, but in many cases, PRP facial rejuvenation is performed with a lower facelift, jowl lift, neck lift, or eye lift and browlift surgery. However, our practice does not perform these procedures.
BEFORE AND AFTER
